In November 2023, Tokyo welcomed a groundbreaking addition to its skyline with the completion of Azabudai Hills, a monumental project spanning over three decades by Mori Building. At approximately 330 meters tall, the main tower instantly claimed the title of Japan’s tallest landmark upon its inauguration.
Contrary to expectations of an observation deck or restaurant at its summit, the pinnacle of Azabudai Hills hosts something far more exclusive.
About Aman Residences
Azabudai Hills not only boasts the tallest tower in Japan but also introduces Aman’s latest venture, Janu, with its inaugural hotel scheduled to open in March 2024. In an exclusive interview, Vladislav Doronin, chairman and CEO of Aman, shared insights into the future envisioned by the group.
Doronin, an avid Aman enthusiast and international investor, took over Aman due to his profound admiration for the brand. His affinity for Japan, dating back to his first visit in 1991, has only deepened over the years. He personally oversaw the meticulous collaboration with Mori Building, exchanging ideas with President Shingo Tsuji throughout the project’s construction phase.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Doronin remarked, “Mori Building set exceptionally high standards, and I poured all my experience and knowledge into meeting their demands. Their dedication to detail and energy resonated with me so deeply that I often joked I might have been Japanese in a past life.”
For the Interior design at Aman Residences, Tokyo, it is curated by renowned Belgian designer Axel Vervoordt, celebrated for his minimalist aesthetic fused with elements of Japanese tradition. Each residence is customizable to reflect individual preferences, promising a bespoke luxury experience unlike any other worldwide.
Pricing and Investment Opportunity
Given Aman’s position at the pinnacle of luxury living, occupying the top floors of Japan’s tallest skyscraper, prices are expected to be at the higher end of the luxury market.
- In the Azabudai Hills project, a penthouse unit has reportedly been sold for around 20 billion yen (approximately $140 million USD), setting a new record for Japanese apartment prices.
- At The Kita, another luxury development in Tokyo, a 507 square meter (5,457 square foot) penthouse with a rooftop infinity pool sold for about $50 million.
- In the Mita Garden Hills development, a 3-bedroom unit was offered for 590 million yen (about $4.1 million) in February 2023.
- For comparison, at Toranomon Hills Residential Tower, another Mori development, a three-bedroom unit with a view of Tokyo Tower was listed for resale at 890 million yen.
The average selling price of new apartments in the Tokyo area doubled year-on-year in March 2023.
In Japan, luxury real estate typically refers to apartments over 100 square meters, though smaller units with high-end amenities can also qualify. Super-prime properties, catering to the ultra-rich, typically sell for over $10 million.
- Smaller residences: Likely to start from several hundred million yen
- Larger residences: Could range from high hundreds of millions to over a billion yen
- Penthouses: Given their premium location and exclusive features, these could be priced in the multi-billion yen range, potentially approaching the record-setting price seen in the same development
For international buyers, Tokyo’s luxury real estate market presents an attractive opportunity. According to Knight Frank’s 2023 wealth report, a million dollars can purchase twice as much prime real estate space in Tokyo than in New York, and three times more than in Hong Kong.
Recent trends also suggest that luxury properties in Tokyo are beginning to maintain or increase in value, a shift from the historical pattern of immediate depreciation.
Aman Residences Features and Amenities
Aman Residences occupies floors 54 to 64 of Azabudai Hills and features 91 residences. These homes are designed to offer privacy and tranquility in Tokyo.
The penthouses occupy the top two floors in a distinctive duplex layout, spanning half a floor each—a rarity even on a global scale. Each features a private staircase leading to upper levels, resembling the luxurious feel of a standalone home.
From two-bedroom to six-bedroom layouts, Aman Residences offers a range of spacious options. Each unit boasts expansive living areas, and all bedrooms are designed as suites with private bathrooms and walk-in closets.
Some residences even include private pools and terraces, akin to suites found in luxury resort hotels, ensuring unparalleled comfort and luxury in the heart of Tokyo.
Aman’s communal facilities cater exclusively to residents with amenities such as a fitness gym, spa spanning 1,400 square meters with a 25-meter pool, treatment rooms, a theater, and a library. The rooftop garden offers expansive views and a serene retreat within the bustling metropolis.
What sets Aman Residences apart is its seamless integration of Aman’s renowned hospitality services. Residents benefit from 24-hour concierge services, ensuring everything from restaurant reservations to travel arrangements is handled with utmost care. Housekeeping services are also available to support daily living, enhancing the luxury living experience.
Janu Sister Towers Debut!
Announced in March 2020 as the sister brand of Aman, Janu Tokyo will be the first urban hotel under the Janu brand, adding a playful, contemporary atmosphere to Toranomon-Azabudai.
With approximately 120 rooms and suites, Janu Tokyo occupies a prime location from the first to the 13th floor of the B-2 District Tower overlooking the central plaza. The interior design of the hotel is led by Jean-Michel Gathy’s team at Denniston.
Featuring a sprawling 3,500-square-meter Janu Spa (wellness facility) and six restaurants and bars, Janu Tokyo aims to bring vibrant energy and a sense of community to one of Japan’s premier urban redevelopment projects.
A Lifestyle Investment in Tokyo
As Tokyo evolves into a global hub for luxury living, Azabudai Hills and Aman Residences redefine urban living in Japan’s capital, offering a blend of tranquility, sophistication, and unparalleled views that captivate the discerning global citizen.
For those considering property investments in Tokyo, Azabudai Hills, and its offerings by Aman present not just a residence but a lifestyle investment.
With its strategic location, unmatched amenities, and Aman’s reputation for excellence, Azabudai Hills emerges as a beacon of luxury living in the heart of Tokyo’s dynamic landscape.
